By Jill Sunderland, Senior Water Resources Planner
Welding students from Suffolk’s College and Career Academy at Pruden (CCAP), led by instructor Mr. Thomas Shirk, recently completed a unique 757-themed bike rack that now stands proudly outside The Regional Building. Designed to function as both a bike rack and eye-catching art, the piece welcomes visitors to the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) headquarters.
This marks the second successful collaboration between CCAP and HRPDC. In 2024, Mr. Shirk and his students built the popular LOVE sign for askHRgreen.org, which has since toured the region to promote recycling.
The custom bike rack was officially unveiled at the HRPDC Commission meeting on May 15, 2025, where it was warmly received by local officials. The HRPDC commends these talented student welders for their creativity and craftsmanship and looks forward to future opportunities to showcase local students.
